Wednesday, October 1, 2014

I think I'll wear....

"....that shirt....no maybe that one....I don't know....gosh! I just want photo's taken why is it so hard to find something to wear?" - Every photo client out there (mine or otherwise)

I hate having to pick out what to wear to a photo shoot.  It’s difficult and what if I don’t match my husband or I clash with the environment? Sometimes it gets so stressful thinking about what to wear I often end up spending hours and money at the store shopping for that perfect matching (but not too matching) outfits for me and my husband. 

Do you feel this way whenever you schedule a photo session? Do you schedule it
months in advance so that you can study endless pages of online photos, then have enough time (and money) to find the perfect outfit?  Never fear - I have done the research for you!  While I myself struggle with picking out great options, there are people out there who know what they’re doing!

Here are great tips from other bloggers to help you with your next photo shoot.

#1.  Coordinate but don’t match. 

According to paintthemoon.net (see link below), when styling a photo session, start out with a basic color palette and go from there.  It can help to have one “rock start” in the photo who carries a pattern in their outfit that the rest of the group’s clothing or accessories pull from, while keeping everyone else’s outfits more simple.  You can do this with a neutral and a few colorful bright or try a softer palette that has different tonal ranges of the same shade.

#2. Look at your home decorations! 

Do you like bright colors or neutrals? Since you will probably be hanging these photos on the wall you want them to fit in with your décor and color scheme. If your home is decorated with warm reds and browns, don’t pick hot picks and cotton candy blue for your families portrait.

#3. Pinterest will always be there to inspire you!

Pineterst is a great place to find inspiration! I do it daily to find new and interesting poses for my clients.  Don’t be afraid to click out different photos to help inspire you!  Here is a great board that will help you with your next photoshot!


#4. Avoid the characters! 

No, I am not talking about your husbands personality. While Micky and Minnie are adorable and that toy story shirt is his favorite, you may want to skip it for family photos and go with simple that won’t distract away from your family. Often times characters and wording will pull the eye of the viewer away from people being photographed and while that adorable boat is cute, we’re not
here to photograph the shirt.

#5 Avoid all white or all black clothing. 

If you’re wearing a white shirt, it’s very easy to lose the detail quickly and same can be said to an all black shirt.  It is best to wear a colored shirt that compliments your skin tone and hair color. Browns and tans are always a great option when trying to stay in the neutral family, while blues, greens, corals, and reds are great for a pop of color.

#6. Textures and Layers are your friend.

Don’t be afraid of textures and layers!  A solid cotton shirt is always a great choice when having your photos done but consider adding texture and layers with that cotton shirt. Great options would be that flowing scarf hanging in the closet, that crochet blanket your Nana made you when you were little, that ruffled shirt laying on the ground in the babies room. Having that extra texture or layer will help make your photo interesting and special.

#7. Think Classic- don’t date yourself. 

Remember that styles don’t last forever.  They may come back in the future but let’s not bank on that when choosing what to wear.  

#8. Prop is up! 

Let’s say it’s about to rain but we still go for that photo shoot! Bring an umbrella! Props are so fun to throw into a photograph!  Are you a senior and love playing Soccer?  Let’s plan some of your session on the soccer field and bring that dirty soccer ball Mom is tired of picking up. Props can be used to help bring out a personality just remember not to go overboard.

#9. Shoes shoes and more shoes!
Ladies, I cannot say this enough and I am sure you can agree - shoes, shoes, and more shoes! But what kind of shoes should you wear to meet me?  Heals are always a great choice for the ladies and gentleman if you’re into sneakers then by all means wear sneakers, just don’t go running through the mud before we meet, Okay? Shoe's are a great way to bring out a personality whether it's flirty or spunky, masculine or feminine, dressy or casual.

#10. Movement and comfort.

We’re going to be moving a lot so make sure you can move and be comfortable in what you’re wearing.  Dresses are great but try not to limit yourself to a standing post when wearing a short short dress.  Don’t worry we can definitely take a few shots in that miniskirt but we probably won’t be able to go beyond, stand here or stand there so make sure to bring clothes that will
allow you to sit on the ground and prop your lefts up on a bench. Remember you can look gorgeous and still be comfortable! 


See where many of these tips came from and read more at these inspiring blogs!


That’s all I have for you guys today!  Thanks for reading today’s blog and if you are interested in scheduling your photo shoot email me at ashleyaklaasen@gmail.comI am normally pretty quick to respond so if you don’t hear from me within 24-48 hours please message me on FB in the case your email somehow made a pit stop in my spam box. Mention this blog when you book before October 8th and I’ll take $15 off your session.

<3 AM

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